Business Services Division

There are several ways to structure and manage your business. Informal Associations require no filing with the Indiana Secretary of State:

Sole Proprietorship: One person who conducts business for profit. The sole owner assumes complete responsibility for all liabilities and debts of the business. TAX: The income of the business is reported as part of the owner's personal income.

General Partnership: Two or more individuals as co-owners of a for-profit business. Partnerships should operate under a written Partnership Agreement to avoid future problems. All partners are responsible for the liabilities and debts of the partnership. TAX: Partnerships enjoy single taxation. Income is reported as part of each partner's personal income.

If these informal associations are selected Sole Proprietorships and General Partnerships need only file at the County Recorderlevel. Example: John Doe operates a business as a Sole Proprietor; d.b.a. John's Plumbing Service.

If the choice is made to structure the business as an informal association. Here are samples of content required for the document one would file with the County Recorder’s office.